I am glad we left Phi Phi early and went on a long journey (could have been very short if it hadn't been so terribly organized) to Ko Samui. This island is much more to our liking. I wouldn't say it is less touristy, but at least Koh Samui is big enough so not all the tourism is concentrated into one town and onto one beach. It has a lot on offer - quiet beaches, busy beaches, parks, countryside and waterfalls. So after we took it easy on our first day, because my physical energy was as low as the weather, today we rented out a moped and explored the island. We had a great morning chilling at the beach in Chaweng and after some lunch made our way to the waterfalls further South in the island. It was the first time ever I got to swim in a waterfall and the cool water was a great refreshment after the little hike up there.

What we had not expected was the variety of animals on the way to the water falls - elephants, tigers and leopards. I dislike the fact that they are there to entertain tourists and I would much rather see them in their natural habitats but I'm still impressed that the locals are not protective about their animals. You can touch and feed the elephants, play with the baby tiger or even give it's big daddy a good cuddle. And as long as you don't want to be in a picture with the big cats it's all for free. It's much more relaxed than in Europe where you at least need a 10 metre safety distance. I'm not here to judge which method is best.

I just want to mention briefly that no country in South East Asia that we have been to has as developed roads as Thailand. But the roads are not the only thing that reminds us of Europe. Ko Samui is in many parts a little England. I honestly think that the English population on these islands is bigger than the Thai population. The English have made this Island their second home and so it is no surprise that many streets are plastered with English pubs and restaurants. Even Boots and Tescos have made it over here. Although we usually like to stick with local traditions and food the temptation of some home-comfort food was too big, so on our first night we enjoyed a stake and ale pie with chips and baked beans.

Tonight was the first time in over three months that we cooked for ourselves - spaghetti and tomato sauce from Tescos. It was great. I'm not complaining that we go out for "dinner" every night but it's nice to stay in once in a while. We usually never had the opportunity to cook because most hostels don't offer the facilities but in Boput we came accross a newly opened hostel with kitchen and everything. It is English owned (obviously) and the owner is very sweet but also very confused. He didn't see our booking and wasn't prepared for us so he just gave us one of his studio apartments. For only 4 euro per person we are now staying in a one bedroom flat with living room/dining room/kitchen two balconies, AC and breakfast included. Well, we have nothing to complain about!